I finished my PhD a few months ago. So I thought today I could share here the non-fiction books that helped me get through my research and all the writing and planning and the mess.
There are incidentally 13 books I want to share with you, and this is random and not because 13 is my favorite number. I have separated these books into categories: books that are academia-specific, habit-related books and books about writing.
Without further ado, here are the books that got me through my PhD.
Academia-specific
The smart way to your PhD
"The Smart Way to Your PhD" by Dora Farkas is a comprehensive and practical roadmap for navigating the challenges of earning a doctoral degree. I went through this book several times during my PhD seeking for much-needed advice. Farkas draws on her own experience and expertise, as well as interviews with other PhDs, to provide invaluable advice on every aspect of the PhD journey, from selecting a topic to defending your dissertation. With clarity and empathy, she addresses common obstacles such as time management, academic writing, and maintaining work-life balance. Through actionable strategies and insightful tips, Farkas empowers aspiring scholars to overcome hurdles and achieve their academic goals with confidence. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone pursuing a PhD.
Planning and passing your PhD defense
"Planning and Passing Your PhD Defense" by Olga Degtyareva and Eva L. Lantsoght is an essential guide for doctoral candidates preparing for the challenging final step of their academic journey. The reader is offered practical advice on every aspect of the defense process, from developing a compelling presentation to anticipating and addressing potential questions. Through clear and actionable strategies, the author demystifies the experience, empowering students to approach it with confidence and competence. This book was my doctrine in my final month. And I think whether you're just beginning to plan your defense or are in the final stages of preparation, this resource equips you with all the tools and insights needed to succeed.
Surviving your stupid stupid decision to go to grad school
Next up is "Surviving Your Stupid, Stupid Decision to Go to Grad School" by Adam Ruben. I bought this book at a point where I was thinking about quitting my PhD. This is a hilarious and candid survival guide for anyone navigating the unpredictable waters of graduate school. Ruben's wit and wisdom shine through as he shares his own misadventures and offers practical advice on how to thrive in academia despite its many challenges. With humor, he addresses common pitfalls such as imposter syndrome, burnout, and the dreaded dissertation. Through relatable anecdotes and insightful tips, Ruben reminds us that we're not alone in our struggles and that there's light at the end of the tunnel. This book is a must-read for any graduate student looking to maintain their sanity while pursuing their academic dreams.
The slow professor
Finally, we have "The Slow Professor" by Maggie Berg and Barbara K. Seeber, which is a groundbreaking manifesto that challenges the prevailing culture of speed and productivity in academia. With a blend of scholarly insight and practical wisdom, the authors advocate for a more humane and sustainable approach to teaching and research. They argue persuasively for the benefits of slowing down, fostering deep engagement with ideas, and prioritizing quality over quantity. Through compelling anecdotes and compelling arguments, they inspired me to reclaim my time, rediscover my passion for scholarship, and cultivate meaningful connections with students and colleagues. "The Slow Professor" is a timely and essential read for educators and PhD candidates as well, seeking balance and fulfilment in academia.
Bonus book: Headstrong
This book is "Headstrong" by Rachel Swaby. It is a captivating exploration of the remarkable achievements of fifty-two pioneering women in science. This book might get everyone through their PhD, but it was a huge motivator for me. The author’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. From groundbreaking discoveries to groundbreaking experiments, she celebrates the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of these heroes. Through the vivid narratives in this book and the compelling anecdotes, I was inspired to challenge gender, but also ethnic stereotypes in the sciences. "Headstrong" is a powerful testament to the vital role women have played in shaping our understanding of the world and serves as an inspiring call to action for future generations of scientists. I know my research wasn’t as groundbreaking as the research these women did, reading about these women helped me push through in the final months leading to my defense.
Habit-related
High-performance habits
"High Performance Habits" by Brendon Burchard is a transformative guide to unlocking personal excellence. Burchard distils years of research into actionable strategies that propel individuals towards their highest potential. Through engaging anecdotes and practical exercises, he illuminates the habits and mindset necessary for sustained success. Each chapter offers valuable insights into areas such as clarity, energy, productivity, and influence, empowering readers to cultivate a life of purpose and fulfilment. Burchard's blend of empirical evidence and motivational wisdom makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone committed to achieving greatness in their personal and professional pursuits while remaining healthy.
This book helped me get back on track every time, while teaching me that health is a major part of being a high performer. Someone who ticks all their to-dos but doesn’t eat healthy and exercises is not a high performer.
The power of habit
"The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg is one of my favorite books of all time. It explains the science behind our routines and behaviors. The author presents a compelling case for understanding the mechanics of habit formation and how they shape our lives, individually and collectively. Through engaging narratives and insightful analysis of the cue-the routine-the reward, he unveils the power of habit to drive personal transformation, organizational change, and societal progress. By dissecting real-life examples and providing practical strategies, he empowers us to harness this power to cultivate positive change in our lives. This book offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to break bad habits and cultivate healthier, more productive routines.
Atomic habits
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a game-changer in the realm of personal development. I felt like it was an expansion of the power of habit, but written more simply, I’d say, more cohesively for anyone to understand. Clear's insightful approach delves deep into the science of habit formation, offering practical strategies to make positive changes stick. It is clear and precise, and the author outlines the power of small, incremental improvements—what he calls "atomic habits"—to transform our lives over time. By focusing on the crucial elements mentioned in the power of habit, basically, cue, craving, response, and reward, Clear provides a roadmap for building habits that align with our goals and values. Through engaging anecdotes and actionable advice, this book equips a PhD candidate with the tools they need to cultivate lasting change and achieve their full potential.
Deep work
"Deep Work" by Cal Newport is a timely manifesto for reclaiming focus and productivity in an age of constant distraction. Newport compellingly argues that the ability to concentrate without distraction is becoming increasingly rare yet valuable in our knowledge economy. Drawing on research and real-life examples, he outlines practical strategies for cultivating deep work—intensely focused, undistracted work that leads to significant accomplishments. By emphasizing the importance of creating dedicated time and space for deep thinking, Newport offers a guide for achieving profound levels of productivity and fulfilment. "Deep Work" is an essential read for anyone seeking to thrive in a world filled with distractions, especially if you’re pursuing a PhD.
I didn’t do the thing today
"I Didn't Do the Thing Today" by Madelaine Dore is refreshing and so very different from the previous books in this list. It is an honest and relatable exploration of procrastination and self-compassion. Madelaine Dore bravely shares personal experiences and insights, inviting readers to confront their own procrastination habits with empathy and understanding, instead of pushing through the mess. Through humor and humility, the author dismantles the stigma surrounding procrastination, offering practical strategies for breaking free from its grip. By advocating for self-compassion and gentle accountability, the book empowers us to embrace imperfection and make progress at our own pace. And I must say, productivity and accountability in academia can get quite overwhelming, and when I found this book I felt like I was drowning and this book kept me afloat. With its candid approach and practical advice, "I Didn't Do the Thing Today" is a must-read for anyone striving to overcome procrastination with self-love. We are not machines. We are only human.
On writing
On writing well
"On Writing Well" by William Zinsser is a timeless masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of genre. Zinsser's eloquent prose and practical advice make this book a must-read for writers of all levels. Writers of all genres. With wisdom and wit, he distils decades of experience into clear, actionable insights on crafting compelling prose. The author’s guidance on clarity, simplicity, and voice will inspire and empower you to polish your thesis. "On Writing Well" is not just a manual for writing—it's a celebration of the art and joy of communication. This enduring classic belongs on every writer's bookshelf, and I’d say, especially to academic writers. I don’t know what it is with scientists and their clattered prose. If you’re a PhD candidate get yourself a copy of this book and learn how to write clearly early on. Science communication is crucial and it’s the one thing no one will teach you. Get a copy today and you’ll thank me later-I mean, your examiners and any reader reading your future works will thank me later.
How to write a lot
"How to Write a Lot" by Paul J. Silvia is a concise and practical guide that demystifies the writing process. Unlike On Writing Well which focuses on good writing, this book focuses on writing speed. The author’s straightforward approach empowers writers to overcome common obstacles and develop productive writing habits. With humor and insight, he dispels myths about inspiration and motivation, emphasizing instead the importance of setting goals, establishing routines, and prioritizing consistency. Silvia's strategies for maximising writing output are invaluable if you have to write a very long dissertation, like all PhDs have to, while also publishing papers on the side. By focusing on discipline and strategy rather than talent, "How to Write a Lot" will equip you with the tools you need to conquer writer's block and achieve your writing goals.
The elements of style
"The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White is an indispensable handbook for writers seeking clarity and precision in their prose. This is a must-have for everyone who writes in English. I recommend this book even if the only thing you ever write is emails. It’s a timeless classic with all essential principles of grammar, punctuation, and style gathered into concise and accessible guidelines. With its straightforward advice and examples, this book serves as a trusted companion for writers of all levels. The authors’ insights on the economy of expression and effective communication will enhance your writing. This enduring masterpiece remains a cornerstone of writing education and a must-have reference for any writer's toolkit.
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